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* The guy behind 217 Problems is a business hero of mine. He built something from scratch that gets people talking. And now he’s making a new move courtesy of the Jesse Sullivan gubernatorial campaign. Here’s Mark Maxwell…
In some instances, campaigns are paying for the extra [online] visibility as a way to boost their profiles. Sullivan’s nascent campaign recently paid $1,000 to a popular Central Illinois Facebook page called ‘217 Problems’ to sponsor a series of posts promoting small businesses. In exchange, each post featured a link to Sullivan’s page at the top.
Brian Berns operates the Facebook page and Twitter account as a part-time hobby from his home in Springfield. While he doesn’t necessarily aspire to the term “influencer,” he reluctantly says he probably is one. He describes his page as a “a multi-content platform that touches upon Midwest stereotypes, memes, and community support stuff.”
More than 124,000 people like the Facebook page, and another 42,000 accounts follow his Twitter handle. A few years ago, he realized his audience had grown large enough, he could start to monetize it and supplement his income working for a health insurance company and as a part-time Uber driver.
“Let’s be honest: there’s [TV] news, radio, and then there’s me,” Berns said, describing his view of a fracturing traditional media landscape. “The reality is if I reach four or five million people a month, that’s something.” […]
The Sullivan campaign’s use of social media messaging appears to be reaching its target audience. One business owner who recently launched a watch shop in downtown Springfield said he learned about the first-time political candidate online and the engagement drew him to attend an event for small businesses.
The rest of Mark’s piece is quite good, so click here and read it.
* Here’s an example of what Jesse Sullivan paid for…
Fritz’s has the best steak in Springfield, which is why I chose that post. Get the strip steak medium rare and have it charred. You’ll thank me later.
* The Question: What hyper-local sites, pages or accounts do you follow? Please explain why.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 12:30 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Unvaxxed hospitalization rate has now surpassed last year’s horrific peak
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Metro-East Crime on Facebook. About as honest and local as it gets. He does a great service to the community.
Comment by Uncle Charlie Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 12:41 pm
217 Problems. The “217 Drive Thru” series, and the “Where is this Dollar General” series were, and are, classic 217.
Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 12:42 pm
If you are fan of High School Sports in the central Illinois area, you have to follow the guys at Channel 1450’s twitter account. They focus on the Central State 8 and Sangamo Conferences but cover other area schools. And Yes, it is hyper-local.
On a side note, Brian Berns also started a twitter page for the geese at SIUE. Not that is hyper local and hilarious.
Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 12:44 pm
@ChicagoBars
Comment by The Captain Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 12:47 pm
None. Not on facebook, twitter, reddit, or instagram.
Have a linkedin profile. Only follow people who don’t post anything.
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:02 pm
Triibe
Comment by Dankakee Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:04 pm
Bloomington-Normal Restaurant Scene on Facebook (the owner of the account constantly posts articles and photos about what’s going on with McLean County businesses and not just restaurants)
BLN-News and a What’s Happening… FB group keeps me updated on the local outrages and controversies of folks I am not necessarily politically aligned with
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:07 pm
Champaign-Urbana History. It is a well-moderated FB community that shares some of the common local experiences, events, people, businesses, and buildings. In addition to feeling nostalgia for something you never experienced, it helps get a sense for the evolution of local social happenings, as well as what used to be in that creepy old building.
Comment by thechampaignlife Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:09 pm
217 Foodies is a recently formed group that I follow. It started as recommendations for restaurants in the 217 area code, but now local restaurants post specials and events and even promos for members of the group.
Comment by wildcat12 Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:12 pm
===217 Foodies===
A new fave of mine, too.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:15 pm
Vintagetribune’s instagram. They post some really cool historical photos and stories.
Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:19 pm
The First Ward. Great local reporting from Jeff Ward. Covers Kane co quite well. Had a great interview with Kane Co sheriff and states atty right after bail reform passed.
Comment by Fav Human Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:20 pm
217 Problems is awesome, as is Fritz’s. But the *best* steak in town? If you like Fritz’s, you’re going to absolutely *love* Old Luxemburg. I can literally walk to Fritz’s but make the 15 minute drive across town to Old Lux more often than I probably should. Ribeye and chive Cheese baked potato FTW.
To the question: Chili Bowl Mullet Man’s Facebook page. Doesn’t get more hyper-local than that for Springfielders.
Comment by Dysfunction Junction Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:23 pm
FB Group “Lakeview News - Uncensored”
Comment by HLV Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:29 pm
“Carbondale in the ’80s and ’90s” is the life I want to live forever.
Minus the mullet.
Comment by Big Picture, Local Focus Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:36 pm
Here in Champaign, I follow:
- Champaign-Urbana History Facebook Group
- Smile Politely on FB/Twitter/Insta
- City of Chambana (satire page) on Twitter/Insta
- Champaign Showers on Twitter
Comment by Leap Day William Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:39 pm
If it ain’t on Springfield Leaks it didn’t happen.
Comment by MG85 Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:51 pm
None, social media is an electronic plague.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 1:53 pm
Wild Ones West Cook because I’m kind of getting into to native flowers.
Comment by Tom B. Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 2:02 pm
“chive Cheese baked potato”, and Old Lux staff bring them to the table presenting them like a national treasurer that you may not be worthy of eating”.
Love the Old Lux staff.
Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 2:08 pm
Lake & McHenry County Scanner. Their twitter feed is the first place I go to to find out about local police or fire activity.
Comment by Jaguar Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 2:22 pm
Block Club Chicago.
Because they are truly hyper-local in that their site is aligned by neighborhoods so if you live in a specific neighborhood in Chicago you can find out what is going on.
Block Club Chicago has also done a lot of reaching out to the community. They set up COVD hotlines to help people find where to get tested and vaccinated..
Comment by Big Jer Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 2:30 pm
None. And no plans to start. Have enough problems with people who see something on social media and believe it’s true,and getting in an uproar over something that is not true. I want no part of that.
I agree with JS MILL actually.
Comment by SOIL M Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 2:47 pm
Have not eaten at the Lux in years, but always great. Do they still provide security in their parking lot? Might get over there if so. Fritz’s is also awesome. My mothers blue hair bloody mary gang are regulars and I have never gotten a meal there I would not rate as excellent.
Comment by Captain Obvious Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 2:50 pm
LOVE Fritz’s
Comment by Lamb Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 3:01 pm
Big Jer is correct. Block Club Chicago is the best hyperlocal news source, high-quality journalism. How can you get much more local than covering “Chance the Snapper.”
Comment by Kevin Lampe Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 3:45 pm
==Do they [Old Lux] still provide security in their parking lot?==
Yes, I believe it’s required by the Geneva Convention. Still worth it, and after 20+ years going there, I’ve never had an incident (knocks on wood).
Comment by Dysfunction Junction Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 4:22 pm
Don’t use social media. Prefer to get news, not opinions. But I will admit to fully enjoying the opinions of the commenters here. +1 on the Old Lux. And they do have parking lot security.
Comment by Papa2008 Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 4:24 pm
What hyper-local sites, pages or accounts do you follow? Please explain why.
I follow “Central Illinois Storm Chasers”
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 6:20 pm
Archeologica. News and Artdaily newspaper
Comment by Rabid Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 6:40 pm
Sangamon County Scanner groups
217 Problems
Springfield Leaks
Memories of Springfield and Surrounding Areas (aka / formerly You Know You’re From Springfield When …)
217 Foodies
Illinois Abandoned Images
Illinois Storm Community
a number of automotive / cars groups
Overall, I think I follow 57 groups. The first few on the list are obvious to a news junkie. Memories is local history, which I am also interested in. The Illinois ones, while not hyper-local, can sometimes be, and are just interesting. The automotive ones are mostly my hobby, and include all the local car clubs from Sangamon and surrounding counties.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 8:08 pm
Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle
They even publish a monthly (real) paper Paper,
along with a few daily articles posted on the inter webs. (Trying to make a subscription model work.)
Comment by Joe Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 9:07 pm